STYLE: Stands up more than most of his era's goaltenders.STRENGTHS: Big and quick, with a fantastic glove hand.WEAKNESSES: Could handle rebounds with more precision. Work ethic is a question, and has trouble keeping his weight at a good level.

(Click on each section header to open (or to close) items in that section)

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"Chouinard had a strong showing at training camp, but had a slow start when he returned to the Quebec League. Most recently, he has shown the form which made him the Sens' top selection in 1998. I really like him because he has a good attitude and he's big with a lot of strength," [Ottawa general manager Rick] Dudley said. The Sens regularly send goalie coach/pro scout Phil Myre to Shawinigan to work with Chouinard." (The Hockey News Future Watch 1999)

"The Sens' top pick in the 1998 draft, Chouinard is projected as the man of the future in goal. The big stand-up netminder had a strong 1998-99 season for Shawinigan, despite getting off to a slow start. A smart goalie who plays the puck well and doesn't stray from his net too often. (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 89)

"Chouinard and the Senators were disappointed when he didn't make Canada's national world junior team. Ottawa plans to open contract talks in the near future and while he'll be given a look in training camp, it's realistic to think he'll start 2000-01 in the minors. We feel good about where he's at this stage in his development," [Ottawa GM Marshall] Johnston said. "We're just going to have to be patient. He's going to need more time." Goaltending coach Phil Myre will likely spend part of the summer with Chouinard because the club wants the Laval, Que., native to refine his skills. A good prospect, he'll move up this list." (The Hockey News Future Watch 2000)

"Selected by the Senators for the second time this past summer after reentering the draft. Finally signed with the club back in July. A big man, Chouinard is a stand-up goalie with excellent quickness. Poor work ethic may hurt him in the long run. Once deemed the Sens' goalie of the future, he now has competition in Jani Hurme and Simon Lajeunesse." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 78)

"Chouinard has been squeezed out of much work in Grand Rapids because the club wants to use veteran Mike Fountain in the playoff stretch. However, the Senators say they are happy with Chouinard's gradual development. "He's right where he should be at this point of his his career," said Ottawa goaltending coach and pro scout Phil Myre. "He's not ahead of schedule and he's not behind schedule." Chouinard should get the opportunity to be the Grand Rapids starter next season." (Bruch Garrioch, The Hockey News Future Watch 2001)

"Big netminder Chouinard's second stint with the Senators organization is progressing a lot better than his first. After failing to come to terms with Ottawa and going back into the draft, the Senators selected him again in 2000. While his work ethic and attitude have been questioned in the past, the talented goalie is working hard and has reestablished himself. (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 80)

"Rebounding from poor year. Must push for a backup job next year. (Bruch Garrioch, The Hockey News Future Watch 2002)

"Chouinard is part of a logjam of goaltenders in the Senators organization. He has the highest upside of his AHL teammate goaltenders - but perhaps that makes him the best one to trade. (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 78)

TRANSACTIONS:

Selected by Ottawa Senators in first round (first Senators pick, fifteenth overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 27, 1998.

Returned to draft, and selected by Ottawa Senators in second round (second Senators pick, 45th overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 24, 2000.

Signed as free agent by Los Angeles Kings, July 7, 2003.

Signed as free agent by San Diego Gulls (ECHL), September 28, 2004.

Signed as free agent by Peoria Rivermen (ECHL), March 27, 2005.

ACCOLADES:

Named to Quebec Major Junior Hockey League All-Star First Team, 1998-99.

Winner, Michel Briere Trophy, 1998-99.

Winner, Michel Briere Trophy, 1999-2000.

FIRSTS:

Mathieu made his National Hockey League debut on Feburary 29, 2004, when the Los Angeles Kings squared off against Anaheim at the Arrowhead Pond. Midway through the third, Steve Rucchin scored to give the Ducks a 6-3 lead and chase starter Cristobal Huet. Chouinard completed the game, stopping both shots he faced.

Game logs have been compiled using the best information that I can find; for a detailed list of known concerns, please click here. I am always looking for assistance in making these more accurate, and welcome your help. For the 1983-84 season and prior, one of my key sources was the Hockey Summary Project, a tremendous resource and one of the best data collections on the Internet. In return, I have attempted to make these data better where possible.